Hospital in-patient service core module

ABSTRACT

A factory constructed, equipped with electrical and gas equipment, wired, tested and enclosed patient care core module arranged to be mounted upon the headwall of a patient&#39;&#39;s room in a hospital. The mounting of the module is simply accomplished and after the module is secured on the wall, the electric and gas supply leads are connected externally of the enclosure to complete the installation.

United States Patent Schultz et al. 1 May2, 1972 HOSPITAL IN-PATIENTSERVICE References i e CORE MODULE UNITED STATES PATENTS [72] Inventors:John Schultz; J H d eher; John 3,032,057 5/1962 Mays ..128/ 172 X M.Sharer; James S. Adams, all of 3,250,583 5/1966 Phillips ..312/209Batesville, lnd.; Frank M. Damico, Cincin- 3,267,332 966 B C ----l7 /48nati, Ohio 3,461,349 8/1969 Meyer ....174/48 3,462,892 8/1969 Me er........l74/49 [731 Ass'gnee Cmlmy, Inc-i Batesvl11e- 3,514,794 6/1970 vofieri ..5/2 R [22] Filed: Oct. 26, 1970 Primary Examiner-Henry C.Sutherland [21 1 Appl. No.: 83,762 Attorney-George H. Simmons and RobertV. Jambor [52] U.S. Cl. ..174/70 R, 5/2, 5/53, [57] ABSTRACT 52/28,52/36, 52/ 1 73, 128/1, 174/49 A factory constructed, equipped withelectrical and gas equip- 51 1 1m. Cl. ..A47b 83/00, A61 g 7/06 mem,wired, este and enclosed Patient care we module 58 Field of Search..52/27, 28, 34-36, ranged to be mounted p the headwa" of a p room52/173 4 174/48 49 70 R. 312 209; 5 2 R 53 in a hospital. The mountingOf the module iS simply accom- 128/] 172 plished and after the module issecured on the wall, the electric and gas supply leads are connectedexternally of the enclosure to complete the installation.

21 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures Pg tented May 2, 1972 8 Sheets-Sheet 1READING CEILING Patented May 2, 1972 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented May 2,1972 3,660,591

8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jill. Y

Patented May 2, 1972 8 Sheets- -Sheet 5 Patented MayZ, 1972 J 3,660,591-

8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented May 2, 1972 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 QUUO JMQ APatented May 2, 1972 8 SheetsSheet 8 I HOSPITAL IN-PATIENT SERVICE COREMODULE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the construction of the patientsroom in a hospital, the headwall is a most expensive item. This isbecause this wall, against which the head of the patients bed islocated, must contain the facilities required for the care and treatmentof a patient. These facilities include electrical outlets, gas sourcesupplies and communication facilities, all of which are installed withinthe wall during the construction thereof. This type of headwallconstruction is at a disadvantage in that the electrical outlets, whichare several in number, are in part at least disposed at some distancefrom the hospital bed with the result that long cords are required toconnect electricity to the bed and to equipment used in the treatmentand care of a patient. The arrangement is at a further disadvantage inthat equipment used in the care of a patient which requires a groundconnection, such as is required by an electrocardiograph, it is oftendifficult to find a proper ground for the device. The present-inventionseeks to overcome these difficulties and disadvantages and to reduce thecost of construction of a patients quarters in a hospital.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a factory madeself-contained core module having a framework that supports the variouslight fixtures, gas valves, electrical switches, circuit breakers andthe like. The framework consists of the wall section generallyrectangular in shape and equipped for mounting upon the headwall of apatients room in a convenient manner. The framework also consists ofside sections which are generally wedge shaped and project from theopposite vertical edges of the wall section. The framework is covered bya suitable back wall panel and inside and outside panels on the faces ofthe side sections of the framework.

When mounted upon the headwall of the hospital patients room, the moduleis disposed above the floor of the room a sufficient distance to permitnormal use of the floor care machinery employed in care of the floor.The module does not extend completely to the ceiling of the room, butrather, terminates below that ceiling. Extensions of the side sectionsconveniently referred to as service covers, extend from the uppersurface of the core module through the ceiling of the room.

In modern hospital construction, the ceilings in patients rooms aredisposed an appreciable distance below the floor of the room above. Inthis space, the electrical conduits, the gas and vacuum lines andcommunication cables are located as are heating and venting ducts as maybe required. After the module has been secured upon the headwall, theelectrical wires, communication cable and gas conduits are connected tothe module after which the service covers are installed to complete theinstallation of the module.

Located at the bottom of the module are guides adapted to be engaged bythe head legs of a hospital bed to position that bed in a desiredlocation with respect to the module. The invention contemplates usingthe so-called electronic bedside cabinet in connection with the bed andthe communication cable, telephone connection and power to the bedsidecabinet are extended from the module to the cabinet. In certaininstances, in intensive care rooms, bedside cabinets will not be usedand all of the lights in the module will be controlled by .switcheslocated in the module.

In the-preferred form, examining lights are mounted near the top'of theinside panel of each side section of the module and switches forcontrolling these examining lights are located at the front edge of eachside section. Also located in these side sections are observation lampslocated in approximate alignment with the top edge of the mattress ofthe bed when that bed is in its normal low position. Switches forcontrolling the observation lights are also located on the front edgesof the side sections of the module. Also located on the front edges ofthe side sections are several electrical receptacles, each protected bya circuit breaker. Also located on these edges are grounding bars whichprovide a convenient way to ground a piece of hospital equipment, suchas an electrocardiograph, which requires a ground connection.

Also located on the inner surfaces of the side sections are a pair ofvertically disposed reading lamp means on each side section. These lampsare controlled by the patient through switches located in the bedsidecabinet. In instances where no bedside cabinet is used, these lamps willbe controlled from switches in the module. Also located in each sidesection is a ceiling lamp which is also controlled by a switch on thebedside cabinet.

Positioned at the bottom of each side section of the module is a smallwattage night lamp which burns continuously enabling a night nurse toobserve the location of the bed when making her rounds. Should furtherobservation of the patient be required, the nurse can turn on theobservation lights from either side of the bed, and since these lightsare located low with respect to the patient, a minimum disturbance ofthe patient results.

The lighting arrangement of the core module provides a distinctimprovement over the prior art of which we are aware. The verticallydisposed reading lamp means provide an ample glare-free light forreading. The examining light arrangement provides adequate light forexamination of a patient without the use of auxiliary lighting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of thecore module mounted upon the headwall of a hospital room, with ahospital bed registered therewith and an electronic bedside cabinetconnected thereto;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the electronic section of abedside cabinet;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the framework of the module;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the framework;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the inner face of a side section of theframework with lighting equipment installed therein;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the outer face'of a side sectionframework with gas equipment installed therein;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the outside face of a panel for theframework shown in FIG. 5 with an installed light fixture installedthereon;

FIG. 8 is an elevational, somewhat diagrammatic, view of a side sectionframework drawn to an enlarged scale with parts broken away and showingthe communicationcable junction bars, the electrical junction box andcertain lighting units installed therein;

FIG. 9 is a topside plan view of a side section of the module FIG. 10 isa bottom side view of a side section of the module;

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of an examining light unit drawn to anenlarged scale;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the unit partially in section;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the unit taken along the line 13-13of FIG. 12 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the unit taken along the line 14-l4of FIG. 15 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view along the line l5l5 of FIG. 12 lookingin the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a wall mounting frame and ceiling boot;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the leveling wedge and mountingbracket; 7

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 55of FIG. 4 and showing the mounting bracket registered with the mountingframe and the leveling wedge registered with the mounting bracket; and

FIG. 19 is a schematic wiring diagram of the module.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings inmore detail, in FIG. 1 will be seen that the core module indicatedgenerally at has a wall section indicated generally at 11 adjacent thewall 12 of the room. Extending forwardly from the wall section 11 areside sections 13 and 14. It will be noted that the top of the module 10is beneath the ceiling 15 of the room and the bottom of the module isspaced above the floor 16 thereof a distance sufficient to permitoperation of the floor cleaning equipment without interference from themodule.

A service cover 17 extends upwardly from the top edge of the section 13and through the ceiling as does the service cover 18 extend from theside section 14. The bed-19 is positioned with respect to the module andthe electronic bedside cabinet 20 in the example shown is positioned onthe left side of a patient in the bed.

I As will be seen best in FIGS. 3, 4 and 10, the framework of the modulecontains vertically disposed rectangular tubes and 26 which extend fromthe bottom to points well above the top of the module, but below theceiling of a room in which the module is mounted. A top horizontal bar27 seen in crosssection in FIGS. 5 and 18 extends between the tubes 25and 26 and is attached thereto. Disposed below bar 27 is a crosschannel28 positioned with its web on the back or wall-engaging face of themodule. Below the channel 28 are cross tubes 29 and 30 which, in theembodiment shown, are rectangular tubes best seen in FIG. 5. Attached tothe lower tube 30 is a lower plate 31 which contains a plurality ofelongated perforations for a purpose hereinafter described.

Fixed to the wall tubes 25 and 26 and to the cross-member 27 are wedgeshaped upper plates 33 which, from FIG. 3, it will be seen are formed asrights and lefts. Each plate 33 has depending from it a flange 34.

Fixed to the lower ends of tubes 25 and 26 and to the lower cross-tube30 are bottom plates 35 best seen in FIG. 10, which have upwardlyextending flanges 36 best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. Fixed between the upperand lower platesis a front frame channel 37 which contains rectangularopenings 38 for a purpose later explained. Fixed to and extendingbetween the horizontal members of the framework are vertical members 31,one of which may be a plate to which ballasts 39 are attached.

As will be seen best in FIG. 5, the inner face of each of the sidesections 13 and 14 of the module frame contain horizontal angle members40 and vertical members 41, which, between them, support an elongatedlamp box 42 in which are mounted two reading lamp means 43.

Also, the frame members support a smaller lamp box 44 in which anobservation lamp 45 is positioned. This lamp is a small wattage lamp,and to guard against the possibility of a larger lamp being inserted, astop 46 is mounted in the lamp box 44. A ceiling lamp box 47 is mountedin the framework adjacent the upper plate 33 thereof.

As will be seen in FIG. 6, the other face of each side section of themodule contains horizontally disposed members, preferably angles,between which vertical angles 50 are fixed. Fixed to angles 50 are anoxygen valve 51 and a suction valve 53 to which supply tubes 52 and 54are connected, respectively. I

As will be seen best in FIGS. 1, 9 and 10, the framework is covered bybackwall panel 60 and each side section of the module is covered by aninner face panel 61 and the outer surfaces by an outer face panel 62.Panels 61 carry lamps lenses 63 which may be composed of glass orplastic, as desired, and also lamp lenses 64 that cover the observationlamps.

A cove molding 65 is installed at the junction of panels 60 and 61 togive a pleasing appearance to the module.

The framework of the module is composed of metal, preferably steel, andthe cover panels 60, 61 and 62 are also composed of steel, the exposedsurfaces of which are painted with a color that is the same as, or onethat harmonizes with, the color of the walls of the room. If desired,panels 60, 61 and 62 may be covered with a suitable covering material,such as vinyl, which may be of any desired color and may be either plainor patterned, as desired. The resulting structure renders the sidesections of the module completely encased and electrical wiringcontained therein is protected sufficiently to render conduits and thelike unnecessary. Wiring extending from one side of the module to theother can be extended through cross-channel 28 which protects it.

Attached to the front frame channels 37 are trim channels 66 which carrywooden inserts 67 that are faced with veneers 68 which are colored andgrained to harmonize with the coloring and grain of the head of the bedand the bedside cabinet.

Mounted in each trim channel 66 is an upper switch 70, a lower switch 71and an outlet socket 72. Also mountedin the trim channel is a ground bar73 and a pair of sockets 74. Also mounted in each bottom plate flange 36is a bed outlet socket 76.

As will be seen best in FIGS. 6, 8 and 10, projecting through an openingin the bottom plate 35 is a night lamp 80, the housing 81 of which issupported in a slotted bracket 82. This permits the lamp to be movedupwardly into the module thereby to prevent damage to the lamp duringtransportation and installation of the module. In certain instances, anight lamp may not be wanted by a hospital and the housing 81 can bepushed up into the module and retained therein.

Also mounted in plate 35 is a communications receptacle 83 which is amulti-point receptacle and serves to extend the communications cable tothe bedside cabinet and also to extend electric power to the bedsidecabinet. Also mounted in the bottom plate 35 is a telephone receptacle84. As indicated in FIG. 6, to guard against the possibility. ofinterference between the electrical equipment and the telephone line,the leads to the telephone receptacle 84 can be extended through avertical tube 25 or 26.

As will be seenbest in FIG. 10, secured to the flange 36 of the bottomplate 35 is a member 85 shaped to position the head end of a bed in adesired location with respect to the module. Preferably member 85 iscomposed of wood, although the use of other materials is contemplated.The member 85 is faced with a facing 86 which may be rubber or aresilient plastic, as desired.

As will be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, an electrical junction box 90,communication terminal blocks 91 and gas tubes 52 and 54 are all locatedin one side section of the module. This arrangement is for illustrationonly. With the bedside cabinet on the left side of the bed as shown inFIG. 1, the box 90 and the blocks 91 would be located on top of sidesection 13 of the module and the gas tubes 52 and 54 would be located ontop of side section 14. The conductors of the communication cable 92 arefanned out on the blocks 91 and on the receptacle 83. Communicationcable 92 is extended from the blocks 91 into the adjacent vertical tube25 or 26 thence out of the tube to the receptacle 83. A box 94 coversthe cable 92 and that part of the receptacle to which the cableconductors are connected to eliminate the possibility of interferencebetween the 120 -volt leads and the communication circuits. Theelectrical wiring is extended from the various switches, etc., and thejunction box 90 in the manner best seen in the circuit diagram in FIG.19.

In certain instances, a 240-volt circuit may be required. FIGS. 6 and 8show an outlet box 55 in which a 240 receptacle may be mounted.

As will be seen in FIG. 1, an examining light is located near the top ofthe inner surface wall 61 of the side section 13 of the module. Asimilar light is located on the corresponding surface of side section14. As will be seen in FIGS. 7 and 11 through 15, the louver housing 95is supported on the outer surface of the side panel 61 by a generally Ashaped bracket 96 by a pivot pin 97 which permits limited rotation ofthe housing around the axis of the pin.

An examining lamp 98, preferably a spotlight of about 75 watts power, ismounted in the distal end of the bracket 96. A louver 99 is fixed in thehousing to direct the light beam. A

face plate 100 fixed to the housing and located on the side of panel 61opposite bracket 96, contains a grid which aids in directing the lightbeam.

Fixed upon plate 100 is a boss 101 in which a notched lock pin 102 isjoumaled. A lock cap 103 is threaded upon pin 102. Unscrewing the caploosens the pin and permits movement of the housing and louver to directthe light beam to a desired spot. The lock pin is then tightened tosecure the beam at that spot.

Switches 70 and 71 are not available to a patient in the bed. In FIG. 1,we have shown a bedside cabinet as an example of one of the manycabinets that can be used with the module.

"The details of the cabinet are not of the essence of the presentinvention. As will be seen in FIG. 2, the cabinet contains a switch 115by which reading lamps 43 are controlled. Switch 1 15 is athree-position switch. In the center position, lamps 43 on both sides ofthe module are extinguished. In one end position, one lamp 43 on eachside of the module is operated. In the other end position, both lamps 43on both sides of the module are operated.

The cabinet also contains a switch 116 by which the ceiling lights 48are operated, and an outlet 117 which renders commercial currentavailable to a patient.

The wiring diagram of the core module shown in the drawings is shown inFIG. 19. As shown, the junction box 90 is equipped with an insulatingblock 120 that carries 11 pairs of terminals. Power is supplied to themodule by the three wire lead system now commonly used. The ground ofthe power supply is connected to grounding terminal 121 to apply groundto the framework of the core module.

The power conductor of the power supply, not shown, will be connected torighthand terminal 1 to supply power to the lamp switches 70 and 71 andnight lamp 80 of the module through wires connected to the lefthandterminal of pair 1 on the block 120. The neutral conductor of the powersupply will be connected to terminal 2 and wires leading to the lamps inthe module are connected to the lefthand terminal of pair 2.

The power supply will also be connected to the right terminal of pair 3and wires, connected to the left terminal of pair 3 will supply power tothe receptacles 72, 74 and one of the receptacles 76. Neutral will beconnected to right terminal 4 and wires connected to the left terminalof pair 4 will extend neutral to these terminals.

Power and neutral will be connected to right terminals 5 and 6,respectively, and wires extending from the left terminals of this pairwill extend to receptacle 122 through which the bedside cabinet will beconnected by a plug 122.. For

clarity herein, receptacle 122 is shown as a separate unit although, asexplained heretofor, the six wires leading to the receptacle will beconnected to points in receptacle 83 as shown at 93 in FIG. 8, andconductors connected to plug 122' will be included in the plug connectedto receptacle 83.

Most hospitals provide an emergency power supply which is used when thenormal power supply fails. Emergency power and neutral, when provided,will be connected to right contacts 7 and 8, respectively, and wiresconnected to the left contacts of these pairs will extend to thereceptacle 76a to which the hospital bed can be connected if needed.This arrangement permits operating the bed even though the main powersupply has failed.

In certain instances, 240-volt supply may be required. 240- volt leadsare connected to the right terminals 9, l0 and 11, andwires to 240-voltreceptacle 123 connected to the left terminal. Receptacle 123 will belocated in a special box such as box 55 shown in FIGS. 6 and 8.

From FIG. 19 it will be seen that the ceiling lights 48 are 75- wattbulbs which are controlled by switch 116 in the bedside I cabinet. Theexamining lights 98 are 75-watt spotlight type bulbs controlled by theupper switches 70 on the side sections of the core module. Switches 70are three pole single throw switches connected in multiple so thatoperation of either of the two switches 70 will operate both of theexamining lights.

' In addition to lighting lamps 98, switches 70 operate both readinglamps 43 in both side sections and also operate the ceiling lamp 48 inboth side sections. Through thisarrangemerit, adequate light is providedand examination of a patient can be accomplished without the use of anauxiliary examining light. Since switches 70 are connected in multiple,the switch used to turn on the examining lights must be used to turnthem off.

- The observation lights 45 are shown to be 15 watt lamps and arecontrolled by the lighted switches 71 upon the core module. Switches 71are single pole double throw switches arranged so that the operation ofeither one of them will operate both of the observation lights. I

The night light 80, preferably a 7 rt-watt lamp, is lighted continuouslyto throw a small light upon the floor of the room alongside of the bed.

Two balasts 39 are provided and circuit to both of these balastscontrolled by switch upon the bedside cabinet. Switch 115 is athree-position double pole switch having a neutral position in which thecircuit through the switch is open. When the switch 115 is closed to itsupper position, the balast connected only to the rear one of thefluorscent lamps on each side is energized, illuminating only thoselamps. When the switch 115 is thrown to its lower position, all lamps oneach side are energized.

As shown in the drawings, lamps 43 are fluorscent lamps and while thistype of lamp is advantageous in that it provides a soft light ofintensity sufficient for the purpose intended, the use of other types oflamps is contemplated. In certain instances, it may be advantageous touse tubular incandescent lamps or a string of vertically. alignedincandescent lamps uniformly spaced apart. With incandescent lamps,balasts 39 will not be needed.

Each of the receptacles 72 on the side sections of the core module areprotected by the circuit breaking means 72', the I reset button of whichis available immediately above the socket. Each receptacle 72 is athree-wire receptacle and the ground is connected to the frame of themodule. The two receptacles 76 and 76a by which the power may besupplied to the hospital bed, are each protected by a circuit breakingmeans 76 and 76a, the reset button of which is located just above thereceptacle. The ground connection of these receptacles are likewiseconnected to the frame of the module.

The upper receptacle 74 on each side of the side sections of the moduleare each protected by circuit breakers 74, the reset button I of whichis available immediately above the receptacle. The ground connection ofeach of the receptacles is connected to the frame of the module. Thelower receptacle 74 on each side of the side section of the module arealso protected by a circuit breaker 74, the reset buttons of which arelocated immediately above the receptacle. The ground connection of eachreceptacle is connected to the frame of the module.

In one instance, the circuit breakers 72' and 74 are arranged to openthe circuit to the socket when the current therethrough exceeds 15amperes.

In the drawings, circuit breakers 72' and 74' are shown. In certaininstances, these'devices may be replaced by cartridge type fuses, ifdesired.

In October, 1962, theUnited States Department of Health, Education andWelfare, published a bulletin directed to lighting of hospital patientrooms. This publication was No. 930-D3. With the wattage of the variouslamps as above specified, the conditions specified in this bulletin aremet or exceeded in every instance. The use of vertically disposed lampsprovides a reading lamp intensity superior to any heretofor used, evenwhen the head section of the bed is elevated and the patient is in asitting position.

As will be seen in FIG. 16, a mounting frame is used to mount the moduleupon the headwall of a patient's room. This frame consists of ahorizontal channel 106, the web 107 of which is secured to the studdingin convenient manner, as by welding. Bolts 108 are projected through theweb and secured thereon by welding. Yertical channels 104 extendupwardly from the ends of channel 108 and the webs of these channelscontain a plurality of uniformly spaced apart bolt holes. A ceiling boot105 is secured to each channel 104 by a bolt extending through one ofthe bolt holes in channel 104. Since the module 10 is to be mounted apredetermined distance above the floor 16 of the room, the top of themodule will be a fixed distance above that floor. Ceiling heights inhospital rooms vary over a wide range. The bolt holes in channels 104permit locating the ceiling boots 105 at the proper place for aparticular ceiling.

As will be seen in FIGS. 4 and 17, the top horizontal bar 27 of themodule framework is a rectangular tube. The upper wall of tube 27contains a pair of holes through each of which the shank of a collaredscrew 1 14 is projected with the collar 114 of that screw engaging theinner face of that wall. A washer surrounds the shank of screw 114 and apin is projected through the shank to hold the screw in the bar. Aleveling wedge 113 is threaded upon each screw 114. The bottom and sidewalls of the bar 27 are cut away to permit placing the wedgewithin thebar.

' As will be seen best in FIG. 18, each bracket 109 is secured tochannel 106 by bolt 108. When the module is hung on the wall brackets109 extend through the cut away portions of bar 27 into engagement withleveling wedges 113. Channels 106 are supposed to be horizontal. Theshanks of screws 114 are shaped to receive a wrench by which the screwscan be turned to raise or lower the wedges 118 as required to level themodule.

As will be seen in FIGS. 4 and 8, the bottom plate 31 containsperforations shown to be three in number through which screws areextended to fix the bottom of the module with respect to the headwall.As will be seen in FIG. 8, the plate 31 has an upwardly extending flange110 portion spaced a slight distance from vertical member of theframework. The plate also has a flare 111 at its lowest edge. After thescrews have been inserted through the plate, a cover plate 112 is hookedover the flange 110 and at its lower ends snapped over the flare 111 tocomplete the mounting of the module upon the wall. The cover plate 112is the only part of the core module that is added to the module at thepoint of mounting of the same.

' From the foregoing it will apparent that the core module of thepresent invention possesses many advantages. Since the module iscompletely fabricated, equipped, wired, tested and enclosed at thefactory for shipment to a hospital as a unitary structure to be mountedupon the headwall of a patients room, the cost of constructing theheadwall is greatly reduced since it is an ordinary wall, except for theaddition of a mounting plate or channel for each bed to be installedagainst the wall. The core modules are equipped with eight outlets sothat ample outlets are available for connecting up whatever electricalequipment that is to be used with the bed. Each outlet is protected by acircuit breaker so the danger of overloading the circuit is eliminated.Each side of the module is equipped with a grounding bar to whichgrounds required by equipment used in connection with the treatment ofthe patient can be connected in a convenient manner.

The provision of vertically disposed lamp means positioned outwardlyfrom the headwall of the room and having reflectors directing the lightacross the bed from each side thereof is advantageous. A patient in thebed holding reading material in a normal reading position will find thatmaterial adequately lighted and free from shadows. A patient sitting inan upright position in a retractable bed will find this lighting animprovement over lighting available heretofor.

While we have chosen to illustrate and describe our invention inconnection with a particular embodiment thereof, this has been done byway of example only as there are many modifications and adaptions whichcan be made by one skilled in the art within the teachings of theinvention. As shown, the module is equipped to have the bedside cabinetupon the lefthand side of a patient in the bed. In a semi-private ortwobed ward, one bed will be equipped in this manner and the other bedpreferably equipped so that the bedside cabinet is located at therighthand side of a patient in the bed. These and other modificationsare contemplated. 7

Having thus complied with the statutes and shown and described apreferred embodiment of the invention, what we consider new anddesirable to have protected by letters patent is pointed out in theappended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A factory assembled, equipped, wired, tested and enclosed core modulethat can be shipped and installed and to which electric communicationand gas services can be connected without opening the module, whichmodule comprises:

a. a rectangular central section b. a wedge shaped side section on eachvertical edge of said central section;

c. bed locating means at the lower end of each side section;

d. a service cover extending upwardly from the top of each side section;

e. electrical equipment located in each side section;

f. gas equipment mounted in at least one of said side sections; and I g.means for hanging said module upon the headwall of a hospital room.

2. A core module as specified in claim 1 in which the central sectionconsists of a metallic framework having vertical and horizontal membersand a cover panel fixed on said framework. i

3. A core module as specified in claim 1 in which each side sectionconsists of a metallic framework having vertical and horizontal memberswhich support said equipment and inner and outer cover panels enclosingthe sections.

4. A core module as specified in claim 1 in which the bed locating meansconsists of a member fixed on the inner face of each side section andextending inwardly therefrom and shaped to engage the head end of a bed,which member is faced with a resilient bed engaging facing.

5. A core module as specified in claim 1 in which the service covers arehollow rectangular members fixed to vertical side members of the centralsection and are long enough to extend from the module through theceiling of the room.

6. A core module as specified in claim 1 in which an electrical junctionbox fixed on top of at least one said side section contains aninsulating terminal block containing a plurality of pairs of contacts toone contact of each pair a power input conductor is connected and to theother contact of each pair a wire leading to the electrical equipment isconnected.

7. A core module as specified in claim 1 in which an obser vation lightis mounted on the inner side of each side section at approximately theheight of a bed and a switch is mounted on the front edge of each sidesection, operation of either switch operating both of said observationlights.

8. A core module as specified in claim 1 in which a constantly burninglow wattage night lamp extends below the bottom of each side section.

9. A core module as specified in claim 1 in which communication terminalblocks are fixed on top of at least one of said side sections, acommunication cable is extended from said blocks to multi-pointreceptacle at the bottom of that section to enable communicationcircuits to be extended to a bedside cabinet having a cable connectionto said receptacle.

10. A core module as specified in claim 9 in which conductors extendfrom an electrical junction on top of said module to contacts in themulti-point receptacle to extend electric power to said bedside cabinet.

1 1. A core module as specified in claim 10 in which a ceiling lamp islocated at the top of each side section and a switch in the bedsidecabinet operates both of said lights.

12. A core module as specified in claim 10 in which a pair of verticalreading lamp means are mounted in each side section and in which aswitch in the bedside cabinet controls the lamps in both sections.

13. A core module as specified in claim 12 in which the bedside cabinetswitch is a double pole double throw switch having a central position inwhich all lamps are out, one end position in which one lamp means ineach side section is lighted and an opposite end position in which bothlamp means in both side sections are lighted. 7

14. A core module as specified in claim 1 in which the electricalequipment includes an examining lamp located on the inner side of eachside section near the top thereof and a switch on the front edge of eachside section, operation of either of said switches operating both ofsaid examining lamps.

15. A core module as specified in claim 14 in which operation of eitherswitch operates both reading lamps in both side sections and bothceiling lamps in addition to operating both examining lamps.

16. A core module as specified in claim 1 in which the electricalequipment includes a metallic grounding bar mounted ty of outletreceptacles are mounted in each side section and in which eachreceptacle is protected by a circuit breaking means located immediatelyabove the receptacle.

18. A core module as specified in claim 1 in which the gas equipmentincludes at least one oxygen valve and at least one vacuum valve andsupply tubes extending from those valves into the service covers on thatside section.

-l9 A core module as specified in claim 1 in which the means for hangingthe module includes a horizontal bar at the top of the central sectionof the module, a pairol leveling wedges threaded upon screws journalledin said has and engageable each with a mounting bracket fixed upon theheadwall which wedges are movable to level the module upon the wall.

20. A core module as specified in claim 19 in which both mountingbrackets are secured to a horizontal channel in a mounting frame andproject through slots in the horizontal bar to engage the levelingwedges. i 1

21. A core module as specified in claim 1 in which the mounting meansincludes a slotted plate at the bottom of the central section throughthe slots in which screws are extended to secure the bottom of themodule to the headwall and in which a cover attached to said plateconceals the slots and screws.

i i I F I.

1. A factory assembled, equipped, wired, tested and enclosed core modulethat can be shipped and installed and to which electric communicationand gas services can be connected without opening the module, whichmodule comprises: a. a rectangular central section b. a wedge shapedside section on each vertical edge of said central section; c. bedlocating means at the lower end of each side section; d. a service coverextending upwardly from the top of each side section; e. electricalequipment located in each side section; f. gas equipment mounted in atleast one of said side sections; and g. means for hanging said moduleupon the headwall of a hospital room.
 2. A core module as specified inclaim 1 in which the central section consists of a metallic frameworkhaving vertical and horizontal members and a cover panel fixed on saidframework.
 3. A core module as specified in claim 1 in which each sidesection consists of a metallic framework having vertical and horizontalmembers which support said equipment and inner and outer cover panelsenclosing the sections.
 4. A core module as specified in claim 1 inwhich the bed locating means consists of a member fixed on the innerface of each side section and extending inwardly therefrom and shaped toengage the head end of a bed, which member is faced with a resilient bedengaging facing.
 5. A core module as specified in claim 1 in which theservice covers are hollow rectangular members fixed to vertical sidemembers of the central section And are long enough to extend from themodule through the ceiling of the room.
 6. A core module as specified inclaim 1 in which an electrical junction box fixed on top of at least onesaid side section contains an insulating terminal block containing aplurality of pairs of contacts to one contact of each pair a power inputconductor is connected and to the other contact of each pair a wireleading to the electrical equipment is connected.
 7. A core module asspecified in claim 1 in which an observation light is mounted on theinner side of each side section at approximately the height of a bed anda switch is mounted on the front edge of each side section, operation ofeither switch operating both of said observation lights.
 8. A coremodule as specified in claim 1 in which a constantly burning low wattagenight lamp extends below the bottom of each side section.
 9. A coremodule as specified in claim 1 in which communication terminal blocksare fixed on top of at least one of said side sections, a communicationcable is extended from said blocks to multi-point receptacle at thebottom of that section to enable communication circuits to be extendedto a bedside cabinet having a cable connection to said receptacle.
 10. Acore module as specified in claim 9 in which conductors extend from anelectrical junction on top of said module to contacts in the multi-pointreceptacle to extend electric power to said bedside cabinet.
 11. A coremodule as specified in claim 10 in which a ceiling lamp is located atthe top of each side section and a switch in the bedside cabinetoperates both of said lights.
 12. A core module as specified in claim 10in which a pair of vertical reading lamp means are mounted in each sidesection and in which a switch in the bedside cabinet controls the lampsin both sections.
 13. A core module as specified in claim 12 in whichthe bedside cabinet switch is a double pole double throw switch having acentral position in which all lamps are out, one end position in whichone lamp means in each side section is lighted and an opposite endposition in which both lamp means in both side sections are lighted. 14.A core module as specified in claim 1 in which the electrical equipmentincludes an examining lamp located on the inner side of each sidesection near the top thereof and a switch on the front edge of each sidesection, operation of either of said switches operating both of saidexamining lamps.
 15. A core module as specified in claim 14 in whichoperation of either switch operates both reading lamps in both sidesections and both ceiling lamps in addition to operating both examininglamps.
 16. A core module as specified in claim 1 in which the electricalequipment includes a metallic grounding bar mounted upon the front edgeof each side section and connected to the grounded framework of themodule.
 17. A core module as specified in claim 1 in which a pluralityof outlet receptacles are mounted in each side section and in which eachreceptacle is protected by a circuit breaking means located immediatelyabove the receptacle.
 18. A core module as specified in claim 1 in whichthe gas equipment includes at least one oxygen valve and at least onevacuum valve and supply tubes extending from those valves into theservice covers on that side section.
 19. A core module as specified inclaim 1 in which the means for hanging the module includes a horizontalbar at the top of the central section of the module, a pair of levelingwedges threaded upon screws journalled in said bar and engageable eachwith a mounting bracket fixed upon the headwall which wedges are movableto level the module upon the wall.
 20. A core module as specified inclaim 19 in which both mounting brackets are secured to a horizontalchannel in a mounting frame and project through slots in the horizontalbar to engage the leveling wedges.
 21. A core module as specified inclaim 1 in which the mounting means includes a slotted plate at theboTtom of the central section through the slots in which screws areextended to secure the bottom of the module to the headwall and in whicha cover attached to said plate conceals the slots and screws.